Output Characteristics of a GaAs Photoconductive Semiconductor Switch with Comb Electrodes

Abstract

GaAs photoconductive semiconductor switches (PCSSs) with comb electrodes were fabricated on semi-insulating GaAs. A pulsed 1064-nm laser with a 700-ps (FWHM) pulse width and optical energy of 134 μJ was used to trigger 2-mm-gap PCSSs with comb lengths ranging from 0 to 750 μm. The effect of the comb electrodes on the output characteristics was investigated by comparing the performance parameters of sample devices with different comb lengths. Devices with a longer comb exhibited higher peak output voltage and better immunity against surface flashover. A PCSS specimen with a 750-μm comb exhibited a higher peak output voltage by 3.53 times compared to a PCSS without a comb at bias voltages lower than 1 kV. Moreover, the PCSS with the 750-μm comb electrode successfully generated a pulse with a peak voltage of 1.34 kV, while the peak voltage generated by a PCSS without a comb was limited to 0.74 kV. © 2013 IEEE.